Most of us who live in Chicagoland (and other places that experience long, cold winters) get really excited about spring! True… Midwest weather is unpredictable this time of year. There’s snow on the ground and a bone-chilling wind blowing outside as I write this blog, when just a couple of days ago temperatures were nearing eighty degrees Fahrenheit! Still, milder weather conditions and more daylight hours are universal hallmarks of spring. This is a time of refreshment and renewal. But if you’re coping with an unexpected pregnancy, the mood of the season may not match your inner emotions.
Do you love the sight of the trees starting to bud or the first flowers blooming? Or the rich aroma of damp earth after an April shower? These sweet moments can easily be overshadowed by stressful, unpredictable circumstances like an unexpected pregnancy. Avenue Women’s Center has been walking beside persons facing situations similar to yours for over forty years! We’re here to help you lean into your brightest pregnancy outcome by offering reliable information and emotional support.
Discover more about Avenue Women’s Center! We have five limited medical clinics in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois!
Re-Connecting with Nature
It may seem like this unexpected pregnancy is spoiling your ability to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Anxiety, frustration, and disappointment may be dominant emotions you’re wrestling with today. If so, that’s understandable! But taking small, intentional steps to reconnect with nature can make a surprisingly big impact. According to the American Psychological Association, “exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.”
Spring is an ideal time to re-engage with nature. Consider going for a walk in your neighborhood or a local forest preserve. If you have access to a private yard or community garden, tidy up your growing space. Prune, plant, and watch beauty emerge from your efforts. Motivating yourself to engage in these activities may be hard, especially on chillier spring days when you’re feeling particularly drained. But any exposure to nature can make a difference, even if taking a few deep breaths through an open window is your only option.
Engaging with a Reliable Source of Pregnancy Support
Just as re-connecting with nature can refresh and sustain you for the road ahead, so too can engaging with a first-step pregnancy center like Avenue. We provide free, confidential early pregnancy services (like lab-quality pregnancy tests, limited medical ultrasounds, and options consultations), to help persons facing an unexpected pregnancy take their next steps feeling informed and empowered. Reaching out for help can feel intimidating. But Avenue Women’s Center is a judgment-free zone. When you connect with one of our expert pregnancy consultants or caring nurses, you’ll be met with warmth and offered high-quality services every time.
Remember, you have three options for this pregnancy: abortion, adoption, and parenting. For some, figuring out which route is best and pursuing it is the most challenging part of their pregnancy journey. Avenue Women’s Center is here for you every step of the way, no matter where your path leads. We offer reliable information on all your options and partner with you to strengthen your support network, so you’re equipped to move forward with confidence.
Call, text, chat, or email to schedule an appointment today!
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Reference:
American Psychological Association. (2020, April). Nurtured by nature. Retrieved from: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.